Nikhil Patel FIA

Partner and Head of Bulk Annuities

As Head of Bulk Annuities, Nikhil works with trustees and sponsors of defined benefit (DB) pension schemes to identify and implement appropriate risk transfer solutions.

He is a highly experienced adviser in the risk transfer market, working with clients to determine their overall pension strategy and providing advice on the preparation, approach to market and implementation of full scheme buy-in and buy-out transactions of all sizes.

Having developed strong relationships with insurers and key advisers throughout his career, Nikhil has a deep understanding of the challenges they can face and is well placed to find practical ways forwards. These relationships help him identify opportunities for his clients, such as approaches to maximise insurer interest and achieve optimal pricing and contractual terms.

Through his insight and exceptional project management skills, he can help trustees and sponsors grasp opportunities when they arise and achieve their ideal outcomes.


Significant experience:

  • Complex full scheme pension buy-ins and buy-out, ranging from £5m to £4bn+ in size
  • Advising on residual risk, single premium transactions to minimise cost uncertainty for trustees and sponsors
  • Advising corporate sponsors on the risk and costs associated with a risk transfer project and supporting the decision-making process, including at Board level
  • Recent transactions led include the £600m buy-in for the ITV Pension Scheme, £300m buy-in for the William Hill Pension Scheme and the £330m buy-in for the Unisys Pension Scheme
  • Lead adviser on 15+ transactions for schemes less than £100m in size
"My collaborative working style and ability to put myself in my clients’ shoes means we can work together as one team to deliver the best outcome for pension scheme members."
Nikhil Patel

Insight

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